A fantastic base for exploring Otago, Queenstown is usually the starting point for most adventures on the South Island thanks to its international airport. We’ve been to the city many times now, and as much as we love the beautiful lakeside town, we often find ourselves picking a side trip or two while we’re in town.
Soaring mountains, historic towns, picturesque wineries and otherworldly scenery await within an hours’ drive or less.
(If you’re wondering why the stunning Milford Sound isn’t on this list, it’s because it actually sits in neighbouring Southland Region)
Glenorchy
Distance from Queenstown: 30km (46km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. No public transport is available.
The drive alone to Glenorchy is reason enough to visit this town at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. Getting here, you’ll cruise along the eastern shore of the lake and take in breathtaking mountain views all around. Once you arrive in town though, it’s worth more than just a leg stretch. Head to the Glenorchy Walkway for a leisurely stroll around the lagoon with alpine views all around, take a walk along the lakefront where Wakatipu turns the most incredible shades of blue and, of course, snap a photo in front of the iconic red shed.
✅ We’ve been here!
Arrowtown
Distance from Queenstown: 16km (21km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 25-minute drive from Queenstown. You can also take the public bus (Orbus), route #2.
Originally a gold-mining town, and it shows. Arrowtown’s architecture is charming and quaint compared to Queenstown’s more-modern buildings. Expect old-fashioned sweet shops with handmade fudge, try your luck panning for gold in the Arrow River or learn a bit more about the area’s history at the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement that attracted miners from overseas. We also found it was just nice walking up and down the main streets; they were charming, had cure shops and a lovely mountain backdrop.
✅ We’ve been here!
Bannockburn
Distance from Queenstown: 40km (58km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 50-minute drive from Queenstown.
We actually stumbled upon Bannockburn by accident. And we’re so glad we did. Driving along the road for a stroll at Cornish Point (across the river from Cromwell, where we were eventually headed), we spotted a sign saying “Welcome to Bannockburn Heart of the Desert”. And were immediately curious; a desert… in New Zealand?
A quick Google once we stopped the car had us quickly change our plan, and we headed toward Bannockburn Sluicings. As soon as we stepped out of the car, it felt more like we were in the south-eastern USA than anywhere else in New Zealand. It was dry with orangey-brown dirt between the shrubbery. The sluicings, or remnants of old mining days, create a unique landscape that made for one of the most unique hikes we’ve done in a long time. Originally, we were just going to take a quick peek before carrying on, but it was so fascinating we ended up doing the full 3.5km loop walk.
Since we were short on time, we didn’t get to see quite as much of the area as we liked, so we’ve very keen to re-visit.
✅ We’ve been here!
Wanaka
Distance from Queenstown: 52km (70km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 1-hour drive from Queenstown. There’s coach service between the two cities that runs a few times per day.
Well worth a multi-day visit if you have time, Wanaka is a bit of a mini-Queenstown. It has all the charm of a lakeside ski town, but on a much smaller scale than the city to the south. It’s got plenty of dining options, accommodations and even a beach. But if you just have a day, there’s a few things you’ll want to jam in.
The town is surrounded by a few wineries, with Rippon having some of the best views of Lake Wanaka from above. If you’re looking for a hike, Roy’s Peak is by far the town’s most popular track – but it’s not an easy one and does take a few hours. If you’re visiting in summer, nothing will feel better than a hike up to the peak followed by a dip in the icy lake after. Our legs certainly thanked us!
✅ We’ve been here!
Cromwell
Distance from Queenstown: 42km (58km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 50-minute drive from Queenstown. There’s coach service between the two cities that runs a few times per day.
We had all intentions of going here… until we got side-tracked by Bannockburn. But Cromwell is home to a historic precinct that’s been restored to its former glory from the 1860s when the gold rush swept through the region. It sits at the southern end of Lake Dunstan, which has plenty of cycling and walking trails along its shores. Just a short drive out of town, the lines blur between Cromwell and Bannockburn and you’ll start to see plenty of wineries and orchards.
🔜 We haven’t been here yet, but it’s on our list!
Gibbston Valley
Distance from Queenstown: 20km (22km by road)
How to get there: It’s a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. No public transport is available.
One of the most underrated drives in the area, the road from Queenstown through the Gibbston Valley is incredibly scenic. We passed through the area on our way to Cromwell/Bannockburn and wish we had time for more than a quick pitstop at the Roaring Meg viewpoint (above). With mountains on both sides, the valley is in the heart of New Zealand’s pinot noir country and we’re big fans of the varietal. While we were driving through during the day time, we did notice a sign saying the area is the Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park, meaning it would have some fantastic star gazing.
🔜 While we’ve driven through it, we haven’t properly been here yet, but it’s on our list!
